He grimaced. “I don’t know…”
“Trust me.” She lifted the tray and slipped from the kitchen, leaving him to wonder just what he was getting into.
****
Millie perched on the edge of Keara’s bed as she lifted the tea cup to her lips. Her hands shook and a bit of hot liquid sloshed from the cup onto the tray sitting on the table at the side of the bed.
“You must have been terrified,” Millie soothed. “A little tea will help steady your hand.”
Keara sipped and swallowed, allowing the sweet, hot brew to warm her throat. She took a deep breath.
“Better?” Millie asked.
“Aye, Aunt Millie. What would I do without your help?” She smiled at her mentor. Millie seemed more like her own aunt each day.
Millie lowered her gaze. “I’ve been thinking of you and my nephew.”
Keara frowned. “What about us?”
“I was thinking of how it would be if the two of you wed.”
Keara gasped. “I don’t think Dr. James would want the likes of me for a wife.”
Millie shook her head. “He’s in need of a good woman to care for him and his home and…” She broke off.
“He has you,” Keara protested, stirring a bit more sugar into her cup.
“It’s not the same, Keara. He needs a companion for life. A woman who can bear his children.”
Keara’s face heated at the idea. “Children?”
“He needs a family. Even more desperately, since his own parents are gone. And he has no siblings.”
“He has you.” Keara patted the older woman’s hand.
“I’m getting on in years, and he’s all I have. I want him to have someone when I’m gone. He needs you, Keara.”
She shook her head. “Not me. There must be women in town or in the farming community he could court. I’m not a woman fit to be wed to a respected physician.”
“I think you’re wrong.” Millie rose and removed the tray. “I’ll get the tea cup later. You finish and get some rest. I’m sure things will look clearer to you come morning.”
Keara stared after her as she slipped out the door. But deep inside, the idea of marrying Dr. James and bearing his children sent her pulse racing and her heart skittering. She took one last sip of tea and set the cup on the bedside table. For sure, she’d not be getting a wink of sleep tonight.
Chapter Nine
Friday morning, Elliot stood by Alex facing Reverend Altman. After Aunt Millie’s talk with Keara, Elliot had proposed the following morning, and Keara had accepted. He was happy, excited, but a bit flabbergasted at the rate of speed the arrangements had been made.
Katie and Aunt Millie had altered a gown belonging to his late mother to fit Keara. Katie and Alex agreed to stand for the couple, and Millie made sure the reverend would be available to perform the nuptials the following day.
“Don’t worry so, Elliot,” Alex murmured. “It can’t be any worse than my wedding day.”
Elliot grinned and flexed his fingers, while glancing anxiously toward the open parlor doorway. The women would be coming downstairs at any moment. He tried to envision how his bride would look and wondered how this had happened so fast. Although he’d planned to marry and start a family someday, he hadn’t exactly been looking for a suitable woman, much to Aunt Millie’s consternation.
A rustle of silk caught his attention. His gaze riveted toward the door. Aunt Millie stepped in first, carrying Alex and Katie’s infant son. Isabel followed, her tiny hands barely spanning the handle on a basket of flower petals. The pink and white petals fluttered to the floor at her tiny feet.
Katie stepped in next, barely containing a wide smile at Elliot and her husband. Elliot shifted his weight and swallowed, knowing Keara would be the next entrant. Jeff had agreed to escort her, since she had no one to give her away.
Dorothy stood before the settee, trying to keep her children in line for the ceremony.
Keara and Jeff stepped into the room, arm in arm. Keara caught Elliot’s gaze, a becoming blush creeping up her face and blending into her scalp of reddish-golden hair. Millie and Katie had woven flowers into her braids, and she carried a bouquet from the small garden Millie maintained.
Jeff grinned as he handed Keara over to Elliot and stepped toward his wife and children. They all settled into their seats as Elliot, Keara, Alex, and Katie faced the minister.
He smiled and opened his prayer book. “We are gathered here today to unite this couple in holy matrimony…”
“You’re beautiful, Keara,” Elliot whispered from the corner of his mouth.
Her smile was a bit wobbly, revealing her anxiety.
Toward the end of the short ceremony, Elliot recited his vows to love, honor, and cherish. Keara did likewise.
By the time they’d both given their “I do’s” Elliot finally noticed the occupants of the room. Alex nodded and grinned, Katie dabbed at her eyes, and the seated guests beamed.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Reverend Altman intoned. “You may now kiss your bride.” He held up his hand.
Elliot gazed into Keara’s eyes. She licked her lips and tilted her head up to meet his lips as he bent down. The kiss was chaste and quick, but sweet and enticing all the same. What would it be like when they were alone? His pulse beat quicker as his thoughts raced ahead to the marriage bed. This had all happened much too quickly. He didn’t know if Keara had ever been with a man.
He’d done this to protect her. How would she react to any advances he made? He’d have to take things slow.
All through the congratulations and wedding luncheon his aunt and Katie had prepared, he studied his new bride. She seemed happy, but a bit nervous. Nothing unusual. Most new brides would react the same.
Alex cornered him outside in the garden as he retreated for a moment to clear his head. His friend slapped him on the back. “Not having second thoughts, I hope.”
Elliot shook his head. “It has been a whirlwind wedding, I suppose, but we did the right thing.”
Alex frowned. “To protect Keara, or are you saying you’re in love?”
“A bit of both.” Elliot grinned. “I’m just a bit worried about the wedding night.”
Alex laughed. “I’m sure you know what to do, my friend.”
Elliot scowled. “It’s Keara I’m thinking of. I don’t know much about her past.”
“Ah…” His friend nodded. “Not sure how much experience she has.”
“She hasn’t disclosed much about where she’s from other than Ireland, then passing through New York City. And I’m still not sure about this Morrissey character.”
“You don’t think she and he…”
Elliot shook his head. “I believe she’s not married to him, but it’s not clear if she’s had any other kind of relationship with the man.”
Alex drew in a breath. “You’re man and wife now, for better or for worse. You’ll figure it out once you get her alone. She’s bound to tell the truth now.”
“Unless she fears telling me will nix the deal, and I’ll put her out.” Elliot sighed.
“My advice for you, my friend, is to take that beautiful woman to bed and see what develops.”
Elliot nodded. “You’re right, of course.”
Once the guests had gone home and Alex, Katie, and the children had retreated to their rooms, Aunt Millie stepped into the parlor to retrieve the tea tray she’d set out for the guests.
“I’ll be heading to bed now, unless you two need anything.” She glanced at Elliot and Keara, who cuddled at her new husband’s side.
“You go right ahead, Aunt.” Elliot glanced at Keara. “I plan to carry my new bride up to bed very soon.”
Keara’s face turned a bright red.
Millie nodded. “Goodnight then.”
She retreated from the room and slowly ascended the stairs.
Elliot waited until her footsteps echoed on the floor above. “I meant what I said, wife.” He stood and held out his arms. “I
’ll carry you to bed, if you’re willing.”
She dipped her head, then caught his gaze. “I’m more than willing, husband. But you needn’t carry me up the stairs.”
He smiled. “Take my hand, then.” She slipped her hand into his and stood.
His pulse raced as they ascended the stairs side by side. Her sweet, feminine scent, mixed with the flowers woven into her hair, sent his head spinning. At the top of the staircase, he gathered her into his arms and swept her off her feet.
She gasped but slipped her arms around his shoulders, pulling close, her breath and gaze lingering on his lips.
He pushed the bedroom door open with his foot and stepped inside, using his shoulder to close it behind them.
His room had been transformed—no doubt by his aunt and Katie. Flowers decorated every surface, giving a definite feminine air to his otherwise masculine bedroom. Keara gasped as he settled her on his bed.
“I’ve never been in yer room before, Elliot. ’Tis lovely.”
He smirked. “It usually doesn’t look—or smell—like this.” The fragrance of so many flowers in so small an area set his nose to twitching.
Keara laughed. “I suspect this will just be for tonight, then.”
Elliot threw his window open to allow fresh air to circulate. “That’s right. You can keep a few, but the rest have to go come morning.”
“Yes, husband.” Keara grinned and settled back on his pillow.
Her gaze never left him as he slipped from his coat and loosened the buttons on his shirt. She licked her lips as he pulled the shirt from his shoulders.
He stepped to her side, and she allowed him to settle beside her on the bed. “I think we need to loosen your hairpins and get those flowers out of your hair.”
She smirked. “Aye. Forgot about those.” She pushed herself up on her elbows.
He gently lifted the flower wreath and pulled pins and loosened braids to allow her red-gold hair to cascade like a silken waterfall down her back. She shook her head as his fingers slipped through, sampling the softness of her tresses.
She leaned back against the pillows and fingered his chest, running her hand over his light chest hair. He sucked in a breath as her finger lingered on the waistband of his trousers.
“I think we need to divest ourselves of more of these clothes.”
Keara sucked her lower lip and nodded.
He loosened the clasps holding her bodice in place and she helped him to slip the garment down her arms and onto the floor. A blue ribbon decorated the edge of her chemise just above her cleavage. He slipped a finger beneath the collar to sample her softness.
Her eyes closed, then she gazed at him with either desire or fear. How experienced was she?
He cupped one breast through the material, his thumb stroking the nipple. She sucked in a breath. “Elliot?”
“I won’t go too fast. Just want to give you pleasure.” He studied her expression.
She seemed to relax. “I’ve never been with a man—this way.”
“I don’t want to frighten you. Just tell me to stop if it’s too much for you right now.”
“Elliot—I…” She leveled her gaze on him as his hand rested over her breast. “I never had the desire to be with any man, until I met you.” She rolled toward him. “Show me how to be a good wife to you. It’s all I’m wanting.”
He swallowed. “All you need to do is love me as I long to love you.”
Keara sighed as all the want and need she’d been holding in check bubbled to the surface. She’d told him the truth about never having been with a man this way. The man she thought she’d loved in Ireland had made overtures, but she’d held back, wanting to behave as a good Catholic girl. Her father would’ve throttled Rory, at any rate, if he found out what little he had done with her. But they’d never gone much beyond kissing and fondling. She’d never allowed him to undress her.
And the men she’d met afterward were coarse and rough, wanting to take from her and give little in return. She’d run from indentured servitude in Australia before her master had acted on his lecherous impulses. And the men she’d met on the ship, along with Rogan Morrissey in New York City, had all wanted to take her against her will. She’d run forever to keep herself from such villains.
But Elliot made her feel like she’d never felt in her whole, miserable life. She rejoiced in his gaze and touch and longed to touch him in return. She felt safe and loved. He would never regret taking her for his wife.
He fingered the button on her skirt, and she aided him in slipping the garment beneath her to join the bodice on the floor. Then followed the petticoats, leaving only her corset, stockings, drawers, and chemise in place. She’d already slipped off her shoes after he’d removed his jacket and shirt.
His hand slid along the bones of her corset. “This thing has got to come off.”
She grinned. “Gladly.” She popped the hooks and eyes, releasing the hated undergarment.
His gaze slid over her as he slipped off her stockings and lifted the chemise over her hips. He then worked on the ties of her drawers.
Once completely naked, the urge to cover herself overwhelmed her. She drew her arms over her breasts protectively.
“No, Keara.” Elliot reached over and took her hands, guiding her arms to her side. “I want to see you. All of you. You’re a beautiful woman. My wife.”
She smiled. “I want to see all of me husband, as well.”
“Fair enough.” He stood and slipped from his trousers, drawers and stockings, then settled back beside her on the bed.
“Yer beautiful, husband.” She took his hand and guided it to her naked breast. “Make me yer wife. ’Tis all I want to be.”
He leaned over drawing a nipple into his mouth as his hand worked her breast. Heat spiraled down to her belly and her nether regions. She’d never felt this way before with a man. She’d known only fear and disgust.
She reached up to stroke his exposed member. Heat and silky smoothness met her touch. “I never knew it could feel like this.” She gazed at the pulsing shaft in wonder.
He sucked in a breath. “Let me pleasure you, then we’ll do this together.”
She lay back, expecting him to suck on her breast again, but his hands slid down her belly to her private area. What wonders he did with his fingers sent waves of tingles spiraling into an unbearable ache straight through her core. She’d never felt the like.
The waves grew higher into a crescendo. She gasped for air, staring at her new husband in wonder.
His gaze narrowed. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
She shook her head against the pillow. “No, Elliot, it…it was the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever had. Can we do it again?”
He grinned, cupping her nape to plant a kiss on her lips. “That and more for the rest of our lives.”
****
Nearly a week after the wedding on Thursday, May the 2nd, Alex and Katie packed their bags, gathered their brood and stood on the front porch of Elliot’s house to say goodbye.
He hugged Katie and the two children and shook hands with his friend. Keara stood by playing with Isabel, while Aunt Millie dabbed her eyes.
“Don’t you two be staying away for too long,” she said, “you hear? I’ll miss seeing these little ones grow up.”
Alex winked. “I don’t think it will be too long before your nephew gives you little ones to care for right here. Isn’t that right, Elliot?”
Elliot’s face heated as he glanced at his bride. She blushed but cradled little Isabel in her arms as if she craved a babe of her own. Maybe it was about time he filled his home with the cries of babies and the patter of toddlers’ feet on the polished floors.
Aunt Millie beamed. “I do hope you’re right, Alex. But I’ll miss you and your missus all the same.”
Alex bent down to kiss Millie’s cheek. “I do love seeing you, ma’am. I promise we’ll be back this way again as soon as we can.”
Elliot helped Alex load the last of the
luggage onto the wagon, then Alex moved ahead to saddle up the horses. Elliot followed his friend, so they could speak alone.
“I’m still a bit worried Morrissey will show up and give us trouble,” Elliot admitted.
Alex shook his head. “You’re married to the lady now, and this man has no claim on her whatsoever. Just call Sheriff Jim if you have any trouble. The law is on your side now.”
Elliot nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”
Alex slapped him on the back. “Stop worrying and enjoy your bride. I look forward to seeing little ones around here when I next return.”
Elliot grinned. “Goodbye, my friend. Take care of Katie and your own brood, until we meet again. And don’t make it so long next time.” He narrowed his eyes. “And when the hell do you two intend to stop traveling and settle down?”
“Oh, won’t be long. Virginia is no longer my home, and Katie is willing to go anywhere I go. I’m thinking of settling out west.”
“I wish you both well. Drop me a note sometime to let me know how you fare.”
“I surely will.”
Elliot gathered Keara on one side and Aunt Millie on the other as the Hart family settled in the wagon and drove off. They stood for a long time after the sound of the hoof beats and wagon wheels had faded.
****
York, Pennsylvania
Thursday evening, Rogan pulled up a stool in the local tavern close by his hotel. Although he’d stayed clear of the town of Fairfield, he’d been paying a local lad to keep tabs on the whereabouts of the little wench. Only this afternoon, he’d learned she’d married the town physician. He should have cut his losses when she’d run from the brothel. He’d likely have two new prospects by now. And now, thanks to the bitch, he was nearly broke. If she’d just stayed put, he’d be back in New York.
He nursed his beer and ordered a shot of whiskey. He needed something stronger to get him through the night.
The bartender, a dark-haired, barrel-chested man, set a glass before him. “Got problems with a lady?”
Rogan grasped the glass and gulped it. The liquor burned its way down his throat. “Does it show?” he growled.
The man winked. “I can always tell when a patron has lady troubles. Keeps me in business, it does.”
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